Production Manager

Overview

The Production Manager is responsible for coordinating and managing on-campus Production Mail projects and off-campus print production under the direction of the Senior Director of Production Management. Responsibilities include: intaking jobs, coordinating resources across departments, setting production timelines and benchmarks, tracking performance, ordering supplies, and managing on-campus production mail and publications inventory. Candidates should be able to communicate clearly and courteously, organize and allocate resources, demonstrate flexibility amid competing priorities, work collaboratively, and maintain high standards of service and performance.

Responsibilities

Production Mail and Off-Campus Print Production

• Aid the Senior Director of Production Management in the coordination and management of all on-campus and off-campus Production Mail jobs.
  • Complete intake forms for new production mail jobs.
  • Coordinate responsibilities and deadlines among the Data Team, Design Team, and Production Floor.
  • Guide clients on best practices and capabilities of the production floor to optimize print performance and reduce production costs.
  • Ensure proper specifications are delivered to Marketing to optimize the design and delivery of art files.
  • Source quotes from external vendors and internal print team for production mail jobs.
  • Oversee quality and execution of off-campus production mail jobs.
  • Conduct pre-press, review proofs, and submit print-ready files to the on-campus print team and external vendors.
  • Help clients deliver clear and concise sorting requirements to the Data Team.
  • Communicate with clients regarding production mail progress and performance.
  • Submit PDFs to the production floor for print.
• Oversee the print production of Hillsdale College Publications, Online Courses, Imprimis, and Hillsdale College Press.
  • Secure quotes from external vendors and internal print team for cost comparisons.
  • Coordinate pre-press and proofing and submit final files and designs for print production.
  • Ensure timely delivery of print jobs to campus and review for quality control.
  • Function as the main point of contact for external print vendors.
  • Source new external print vendors as needed.
  • Aide the Senior Director of Production Management with Client Service meetings focusing on satisfaction with the quality of publications, vendor performance, and production timelines.
• Aide the Senior Director of Production Management with regular Client Service Meetings.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures.
• Assist in the implementation of new print & mail management software.
• Maintain scorecard, monitoring on-time and done-right metrics.

Inventory Management

• Order supplies for on-campus production mail jobs
  • Gather quotes from outside vendors.
  • Track costs.
  • Monitor performance and satisfaction with vendor supplies.
• Oversee envelope purchasing.
• Manage on-campus production mail inventory.
  • Monitor available quantity.
  • Predict future demand.
  • Set restocking levels.
• Manage Publications and Hillsdale College Press inventory.
  • Approve orders for Hillsdale College Publications and Hillsdale College Press materials for the campus.
  • Monitor stock levels and reorder as needed.
• Place work orders for delivery of supplies to the production floor.

Miscellaneous job duties

• Move heavy boxes/cases of paper to and from the inventory area.

Qualifications

Education and Experience 

Preferred undergraduate degree.  Have at least 3-5 years of print or equivalent experience.

Other Skills

• Proficient in the use of departmental software (Microsoft Office Suite, Box, etc.)
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Deadline driven
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Ability to lift or otherwise move 30-50 pounds 

Personal Characteristics

Hillsdale Print and Mail interacts with students, staff, faculty, and other constituents of Hillsdale College. A neat, professional appearance is necessary for this role. The Director of Production Mail must be able to think and work at a fast pace due to the high volume and deadline-driven nature of the work.

Code of Commitment

Be a good representative of Hillsdale College to promote the liberal arts, the College’s original Articles of Association, and operating principles stated in the Staff Code of Commitment. The Mission Statement should be considered in all aspects of the position. The teaching of Christian faith shall remain a conspicuous aim of the College.